Has anyone had problems on their outback in regards to cracks where the mirage drive goes. My outback started leaking water a few months ago and I finally looked to see where it was coming from. It has a crack about 1.5 inches long in the back "V" where the mirage drive fits.

The dealer that I bought this kayak from is located in California and I now live in Texas. I have email two of the closet dealers with pics and hull number to see what I might be able to do. Neither one has emailed me back yet.

I am interested in two things. 1st is to let Hobie know about my crack in this area for future improvements if any are needed and 2nd to get back on the water sooner rather than later in a water tight hull that does not leak.

If anyone can help me with either one of these I would greatly appreciate it. This is my third Hobie mirage drive kayak.

While this is not "common" (we build a LOT of boats) we have had a larger experience of drive well cracking than is acceptable for sure. A search of topics will tell you that Outbacks and Adventures models (Primarily) experienced some production issues back in the early 2000s.

81410011 MirageDrive Well Retrofit (For Outbacks and Adventures only). Outbacks [older] than July of 2003 would not use the bolts part of the kit.

Extended Warranty Coverage

Our normal two-year warranty coverage for Outback and Adventure hulls will be extended to four years with 100% coverage for damage to the well on kayaks in the specified range. After four years there will be pro-rated coverage on those hulls for an additional two years.

Outbacks with serial numbers A3753 through F2853Adventure with serial numbers D0001 through D1875

Note: This complete kit may not be needed for older Outback models due to the length of the camlock knob bolts. Outbacks built before August of 2003 (Serial number 3753) should not need the longer bolts. Those boats would have appropriate bolt lengths. Boats built after that serial number are suspect due to a change in the mold shape.

It has come to our attention that the camlock knobs can flex out of column under heavy loads. This may allow the knobs to ratchet.